Sawyer Sweeten, who played one of the twin sons in Everybody Loves Raymond, has tragically killed himself.

Tributes have flooded in on Twitter for the 19-year-old actor after his family confirmed he “took his own life”.

The US media has reported that Sawyer shot himself on the front porch of the family home in Texas.

Sawyer Sweeten, left with his sister Madyline and twin brother Sullivan (Rex)
Sawyer Sweeten, left with his sister Madyline and twin brother Sullivan (Rex)

Sawyer began playing Raymond and Debra’s son Geoffrey Barone, along with his Sullivan as Michael Barone in 1996, when there were just 16-months-old.

Their older sister Madylin played their on-screen sister Ally Barone, in the sit com, which ran until 2005.

The family said in a statement on Thursday April 23: “This morning a terrible family tragedy has occurred.

“We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son, and friend, Sawyer Sweeten, took his own life. He was weeks away from his 20th birthday.

“At this sensitive time, our family requests privacy and we beg of you to reach out to the ones you love.”

The Evening Standard quoted Everybody Loves Raymond star Ray Romano as saying: “I’m shocked, and terribly saddened, by the news about Sawyer. He was a wonderful and sweet kid to be around. Just a great energy whenever he was there. My heart breaks for him, his family, and his friends during this very difficult time.”